Samson and Delilah
Rev. Gary Davis
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If I had my way, I would tear this old building down. Well Delilah was a woman, she was fine and fair, She had good looks, God knows, and coal black hair, Delilah she gained old Samson's mind. When first he saw this woman, you know he couldn't believe his mind. Delilah she climbed up on Samson's knee, Said tell me where your strength lies if you please. She spoke so kind and she talked so fair, Well Samson said, Delilah cut off my hair. You can shave my head, clean as my hand And my strength will become as natural as any old man. If I had my way, if I had my way, if I had my way, I would tear this old building down. You read about Samson, all from his works, He was the strongest man that ever had lived on earth. One day when Samson was walking along, Looked down on the ground, he saw an old jawbone. He stretched out his arm, God knows, chains broke like thread, When he got to moving, ten thousand was dead. If I had my way, if I had my way, if I had my way, I would tear this old building down. Now Samson and the lion, they got in a tack, Samson he crawled up on the lion's back. You read about this lion, he killed a man with his paws, But Samson got his hands around that lion's jaws. He ripped the beast till he killed him dead. The bees made honey in the lion's head. If I had my way, if I had my way, if I had my way, I would tear this old building down.
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Written by: REV. GARY DAVIS
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing, Songtrust Ave
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Artist's Performance"Samson and Delilah" is one of the most beloved performances by Grateful Dead. Often played during the second set of concerts, it became a high-energy favorite among fans and band members alike.
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SongwriterAlthough popularized by Grateful Dead, "Samson and Delilah" is originally a traditional Gospel blues song written and recorded by the ordained minister and blues musician, Rev. Gary Davis.
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Style AdaptationGrateful Dead dynamically reworked the song, adding their own distinctive rock 'n' roll flair to the original Gospel blues style. The band's rendition represented their fusion of diverse genres, from folk and blues to psychedelic rock.
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Lyrics' NarrativeThe song's lyrics adapt the biblical story of Samson and Delilah from the Book of Judges. The story is about the betrayal of Samson by his lover Delilah, who cuts his hair thus removing his strength.
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Grateful Dead's Lead VocalistGenerally sung by Grateful Dead's rhythm guitarist, Bob Weir, "Samson and Delilah" showcases his vocal ability and musical diversity, as he effortlessly switches from rhythm guitar to lead vocals.
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Song's MusicianshipApart from Weir, key components of the song’s success in the band's version include Phil Lesh's dynamic bass, Jerry Garcia's soaring lead guitar, and the driving rhythm provided by drummers Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart.
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Rev. Gary Davis' LegacyThe song's legacy has a deeper root in Rev. Gary Davis' influential career. The blind blues musician, known for his fingerpicking guitar style, has inspired countless artists such as Bob Dylan, and naturally, Grateful Dead.
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Rev. Gary Davis' VersionIn the original Davis version, the song takes on a solemn, introspective tone with his intricate guitar playing and passionate, raw vocals. Davis’ religious emphasis brings forth a spiritual depth in the song's narrative that later versions also try to capture.
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Song’s Stage DebutGrateful Dead first performed "Samson and Delilah" on June 3, 1976, at the Paramount Theatre in Portland, Oregon. The song soon became a setlist staple for the band.
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Live Recordings"Samson and Delilah" was a fixture in Grateful Dead's live shows but was never officially recorded in a studio by the band. However, live performances of the song have been preserved in the band's numerous live albums and bootleg recordings.
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